How Texans, CJ Stroud unintentionally keep crushing the Carolina Panthers franchise
KARMA POLICE
04 January 2024
KARMA POLICE
This week, the Houston Texans are preparing to play a do-or-die game against the Colts with a Wild Card berth on the line. And regardless of the outcome, it's safe to say it's been a great season for the Texans, who have already secured a winning record.
Especially when compared to how things have played out for the Panthers, who had the No. 1 pick in the draft. They've already fired their head coach and have only won two games this season.
Things got even worse for the Panthers on Sunday as they were dominated 26-0 by the Jaguars, who started backup quarterback CJ Beathard. Frustrations ran high in this game, causing QB Bryce Young to smash his tablet on the sideline, and owner David Tepper to throw his drink on Jaguar fans.
As if things aren't bad enough for Carolina, it looks like the Texans nailed the No.3 overall pick in the draft with Will Anderson, who looks like a legit Pro Bowler for years to come. Not to mention CJ Stroud who already plays like a generational QB as a rookie.
Also, let's not forget DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio have a legit shot at winning Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year, respectively.
With that in mind, what will it take for Houston fans to fully embrace the new-look Texans? Sunday's game against the Titans was one of the biggest crowds of the season at NRG, but there were a few empty seats.
What has to happen for Texans fans to fully buy back in and have a big waiting list for season tickets like in years past? Would beating the Colts and making the playoffs be enough?
Be sure to watch the video above as we break it all down!
The Houston Astros open a three-game set Tuesday night against the struggling Colorado Rockies, with Hunter Brown set to take the mound at Daikin Park.
Houston (72-59) enters the matchup atop the AL West despite dropping six of its last 10 games, during which the offense has sputtered to a .204 average and the pitching staff has been tagged for a 5.69 ERA. The Astros will look to steady things at home, where they’ve gone 38-27 this season, and lean on Brown, who has been one of their most consistent arms. The right-hander owns a 10-5 record, a 2.36 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 2025.
Colorado (37-94) comes in losers of four straight and carrying the worst road record in baseball at 16-49. The Rockies have struggled mightily to contain the long ball, going 17-77 in games when allowing at least one home run. Starter Tanner Gordon (4-5, 7.11 ERA) will try to buck that trend in just his 10th appearance of the season.
Yordan Alvarez will make his long-awaited return to the lineup Tuesday, starting in left field for the opener against Colorado. It will be his first game action since May 2 after being sidelined with a hand injury.
Jose Altuve continues to lead the Astros’ offense with 22 home runs and a .456 slugging percentage, while Carlos Correa has been one of Houston’s most reliable bats of late, collecting 13 hits in his last 39 at-bats. On the Rockies’ side, Hunter Goodman has piled up 52 extra-base hits this season, and Brenton Doyle enters the series swinging a hot bat with 15 hits and 11 RBIs over his past 10 games.
The matchup is the fourth meeting between the two clubs this year, with Houston heavily favored to pick up another win as it looks to build momentum in the stretch run.
Betting odds
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -341, Rockies +270; over/under is 8 runs
Roster moves
RHP Shawn Dubin has been claimed by the Orioles.
pic.twitter.com/Mte5EPYUCq
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 26, 2025
Starting lineup
What stands out? With Yordan back in the lineup, manager Joe Espada has decided to deploy him in the cleanup spot, leaving the Top 3 of Pena, Correa, and Altuve (DH) unchanged.
A surprising twist
However, Alvarez playing left field is not something we were expecting.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.
With Yordan hitting fourth, Christian Waker slides back to the five spot, followed by Jesus Sanchez (RF), Victor Caratini (C), Mauricio Dubon (2B), and Jacob Melton (CF).
Interesting to see Yainer Diaz with the night off. He was hit in the wrist by a pitch from Craig Kimbrel on Sunday. Perhaps he needed an extra day to recover.
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